Trout eyes 5th selection as All-Star voting opens

If Trout is selected to this year's Midsummer Classic, the superstar center fielder will have been selected to five All-Star Games before his 25th birthday. Only five others have done that throughout history, a list that includes Orlando Cepeda (seven before age 25), Al Kaline (six), Ivan Rodriguez, Ken Griffey Jr. and Johnny Bench (five each).

If Trout is selected to this year's Midsummer Classic, the superstar center fielder will have been selected to five All-Star Games before his 25th birthday. Only five others have done that throughout history, a list that includes Orlando Cepeda (seven before age 25), Al Kaline (six), Ivan Rodriguez, Ken Griffey Jr. and Johnny Bench (five each).

Trout entered Sunday with a .302/.408/.508 slash line, with three home runs and reaching base in 11 of his last 16 plate appearances. His teammate and good friend, Angels right fielder Kole Calhoun, is off to a solid start, batting .308/.366/.462 while in search for his first All-Star Game appearance.

Albert Pujols has started off slowly, entering Sunday with a career-worst 26 at-bat hitless stretch that has his batting average down to .132. But Pujols got off to a slow start last year, finishing the month of April with a .208 batting average, then posted a .979 OPS in May and June and started at first base for the American League.

The other side: The man who is constantly compared to Trout, Nats outfielder Bryce Harper, is starting to put together another historic season, batting .311/.397/.803 while leading the Majors with eight home runs and 22 RBIs.

Tip of the cap: One of the Angels' most popular former players, Mark Trumbo, is off to a blistering start with the Orioles. The right-handed power hitter, listed as an outfielder, ranks third in the AL with a 1.085 OPS and has added five home runs.

A rising star: Marlins left fielder Christian Yelich, still only 24 years old, is one of the game's best young players and is off to a solid start. His .529 on-base percentage leads the Majors, and he's one of the top defensive outfielders in the Majors.

Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- on their computers, tablets and smartphones -- exclusively online using the 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot until Thursday, June 30, at 8:59 p.m. PT. Vote up to five times in any 24-hour period for a maximum of 35 times.

Fans may also receive the ballot by texting VOTE to 89269 (USA) or 101010 (Canada). Or text VOTA for a ballot in Spanish. Message and data rates may apply. Up to five messages. No purchase required. Reply STOP to cancel. Reply HELP for info.

Following the announcement of the 2016 All-Stars, be sure to return to MLB.com and cast your 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote for the final player on each league's All-Star roster. On Tuesday, July 12, watch the 2016 All-Star Game presented by MasterCard live on FOX, and during the game visit MLB.com to submit your choice for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet via the 2016 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote.

The 87th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 160 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB.com, MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.